ESCC is a part of the Restoration Movement with the Church of Jesus Christ which, for over a century and a half, has pleaded for the unity of all God’s people. We are not a denomination, but we do participate with sister churches in many projects and programs that exalt Christ and spread the gospel. We are not the only Christians, but we desire to be Christians only. The Lord’s Supper is a weekly part of a believer’s worship. ESCC observes baptism by immersion for the repentant believer. We are not perfect saints, we are forgiven sinners growing in grace to spiritual maturity.
GOD // JESUS // HOLY SPIRIT
God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He eternally exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. (Gen. 1:1, 26, 27; 3:33; Ps. 90:2; Matt. 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Cor. 13:14)
Jesus Christ is the only Son of God. He came as God in the flesh and lived a sinless life to be the perfect sacrifice on the cross for the sins of the world. He arose from the grave after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended back to heaven to prepare a heavenly home for His followers. One day, He will return in power, glory, and the judgment of the world. (Is. 9:6; Matt. 1:22-23; Jn. 1:1-5; 14:10-30; Acts 1:9-11; Rom. 1:3-4; 1 Cor. 15:1-8; Heb. 4:14-15)
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son as God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for daily living, understanding of spiritual truth and guidance in doing what is right. The Holy Spirit is the seal of man’s redemption. (Jn. 14:16-17; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor. 2:12, 3:16; Gal. 5:25; Eph. 1:13-14)
MAN // SALVATION // THE CHURCH
Man is made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. He is the supreme object of God’s creation. Although man has tremendous potential for good, he is marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called sin. This attitude separates man from God. (Gen. 1:27; Ps. 8:3-6; Is. 53:6, 59:1-2; Rom. 3:23, 6:23)
Salvation is a free gift from God to man. Man can never make up for his sin by self-improvement or earn his salvation by good works. Salvation is only available through faith in Jesus Christ’s sacrifice as the payment for sin’s penalty. Eternal life begins when one accepts the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Those accepting Jesus need to repent of their sins, confess their faith, be immersed into Him and be devoted to living for Him. (Jn. 1:12; 3:1-8; 14:6; Acts 2:39-41; Rom. 5:1-2; 6:23; Eph. 2:8-9)
The Church is the bride of Christ. We are to be an extension of Christ’s ministry on earth. The church is to proclaim the message of salvation to the lost, teach maturity to those being saved and help those who are hurting. (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; Rom. 12:1-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-31; 2 Cor. 5:17-6:1; Eph. 4:1-16; 1 Peter 2:9-10)
THE BIBLE // ETERNAL LIFE
The Bible is God’s Word to all men. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian belief and daily living. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth without error, it is authority without question. (Prov. 30:5; Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12)
Eternal Life will be heaven or hell. God created man to exist forever. He will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or in union with God through Jesus Christ and His forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is Heaven. Heaven and hell are places of eternal existence. (Matt. 7:13-14, 21-23; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 6:23; 1 Jn. 5:11-13; Rev. 2:10, 20:15)